AlloDerm Frequently Asked Questions
A healthy smile includes more than just your teeth, gum tissue and bone structure are just as important to keep your smile strong and beautiful. As we age, our gum tissue naturally begins to thin and can begin to pull away from the tooth surface. This recession can lead to exposed root structure which can be very painful and eventually lead to bone loss and tooth loss.
There are procedures available to replace lost gum tissue and help rejuvenate your smile. An AlloDerm gum graft is one such procedure with many benefits! Below are some frequently asked questions about AlloDerm soft tissue gum grafts.
What is AlloDerm? AlloDerm is processed from donated human tissue and is placed over the affected area to help your natural gum tissue regenerate and heal. It provides the collagen and structure needed to help your body grow and remodel gum tissue.
Is AlloDerm safe? Having tissue placed that comes from another human might sound scary but tissue donors are screened and tested to exclude those who may have been exposed to viral and microbial pathogens. The tissue is processed to remove all cellular components. The same process is used in plastic and reconstructive surgeries.
What is the healing process after an AlloDerm graft? AlloDerm is essentially the foundation for gum tissue to build on. The collagen within the AlloDerm is the scaffolding that your natural cells will climb and the proteins in the AlloDerm recruit your own cells to the graft to direct them as they work to remodel your gum line. As you heal, your cells take over and transform the AlloDerm into healthy gum tissue.
What are the advantages of an AlloDerm graft? There are other options for gum grafting including using harvested tissue from another part of your mouth. This is often a much more painful healing process as the tissue is usually taken from the roof of the patient's mouth leaving two surgical sites to heal. Using donor tissue gives the patient a much more comfortable healing period and lessens the risk of infection.
What can I expect after surgery? Slight swelling and mild bruising at the surgery site is normal and expected. Your doctor may also apply a dressing material over the graft area to protect it for a few days and should stay in place until the doctor removes it. It is important to avoid tugging on your lip or cheek to try to look at the site and to avoid rubbing your tongue over the site because these actions can cause the graft to dislodge.
Complete healing of a gum graft may take between two and six months, depending on the type used. You should experience significant healing within the first week though it is important to avoid using toothpaste or eating anything grainy to prevent irritating the surgery site.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic and oral mouth runs to help you maintain your oral health and ensure a successful graft.
AlloDerm has documented success equivalent to using the patient's own tissue for treating recession. It also has shown equal or superior aesthetic results! AlloDerm is a successful treatment option used to augment soft tissue around dental implants, protect bone grafts, and to cover extraction sites. If you need a gum graft, speak with your doctor about using AlloDerm to see if that is the best treatment for you.